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Barber shop proves it's a cut above the rest picking up coveted British retailers award

2 Sep 2025

A barber's shop in Northern Ireland has proved that it's a cut above the rest by picking up the inaugural Love Your High Street Award 2025, following a public vote that attracted over 2,230... Read more…

Independent retailers face Fresh challenges as UK inflation climbs to 3.8%

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month... Read more…

Bike industry continues to face challenges as profits and forecasts falter at Giant, Canyon and Shim

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.
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ACT to join industry leaders at brand new cycling trade event this September

13 Aug 2025

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases... Read more…

Independent retail crisis deepens as nearly half see sales plummet compared to last year

12 Aug 2025

Britain's high street crisis has deepened dramatically with nearly half of independent retailers, including many in the independent cycling retail sector, reporting sales have crashed compared... Read more…

Independent retailers slam £5.9bn "de minimis" import loophole as Government delays action

11 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has condemned the Government's inaction over the "de minimis" import loophole following a Sky News investigation revealing £5.9 billion worth of cheap imports... Read more…

Criminals undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards collapse

7 Aug 2025

Bira has warned that criminals are undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards services collapse, following a new Which? investigation.
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ACT welcomes Government's new product safety laws

23 Jul 2025

A leading cycle traders association has backed the government's move to protect consumers from dangerous products sold through online marketplaces, following Royal Assent of the Product... Read more…

Small Business Strategy Inquiry 2025 - ACT and Bira call for members to share their voice

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on... Read more…

Beyond the discount: Restoring integrity to the cycle supply chain

18 Jun 2025

The Association of Cycle Traders believes the time has come for greater accountability throughout our supply chain, writes ACT Director Jonathan Harrison in an article published for BikeBiz.
Read more…

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What can help retailers stand out?

Posted on in Business News

It is already widely recognised that delivery services and multiple options can help a retailer stand out against their competition.

But, there are elements within this area that can make all the difference.

According to the MetaPack 2018 State of Ecommerce Delivery Consumer Research Report, free delivery, collection options and the environment are the elements that make all the difference.

customer support 

By questioning 3,597 consumers from seven countries including the UK, France, Germany and the US, they found that:

  • Free delivery is a top priority for 62% of shoppers, with 49% of the 2,230 people saying that they no longer expect to pay for standard delivery.
  • 75% of the consumers say that they have bought products to qualify for free delivery.
  • Shoppers are prepared to pay for faster delivery with 70% of the consumers saying they would pay extra for services such as one-hour, same day and Sunday deliveries.
  • 44% of the 3597 say they are tempted to try out new delivery options and take advantage of click and collect.
  • Although the rise in eco-friendly delivery is growing slowly, there is a budding interest in delivery options that consider the environment such as consolidated delivery. More than a quarter (26%) and steadily rising to 41% in the US say they care about how their online deliveries contributed to increased carbon emissions. Consumers noted that they were aware of the environment as an issue with deliveries (62% in France, 60% in the Netherlands and 56% in Germany) with 35% of those consumers saying they would prefer to have their deliveries consolidated due to environmental concerns.
  • Almost half of the 3597 respondents have made overseas purchases with expensive delivery, slow delivery and paying for delivery features of their purchases. Consumers (83%) said that they check for extra charges and 40% of them will abandon their basket due to unexpected charges.

support 

Considering these three elements and adding features to online delivery may push you ahead of your competitors.

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